Engine, Motor, Or Transmission Control Means Patents (Class 440/84)
  • Patent number: 6699081
    Abstract: A switch reluctance device is used as a starter/generator for an outboard motor. The rotor of the switch reluctance device is attached to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and serves as a flywheel for the engine. The switch reluctance device is operated in a motoring mode when it is used as a starter motor for the internal combustion engine. The switch reluctance device is operated in an electrical power generating mode when the internal combustion engine is operating above a predetermined operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Vojislav V. Divljakovic, David L. Neumann, Richard L. Sleder, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6695657
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion unit. The engine control system is configured to limit engine speed under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 6692320
    Abstract: An actuation system for a gear selector of a marine propulsion device incorporates an adjustable motion directing component that changes the path of travel of an actuator end of a push-pull cable. This adjustable change creates a beneficial effect by changing the relative positions of a shift shaft and associated link arms in relation to positions of a wire within a sheath of a push-pull cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Kass W. Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20040014381
    Abstract: A controller that executes engine output control that a throttle is closed when a boat is navigated at a predetermined speed or higher and the output of an engine is gradually increased up to predetermined output when a steering system is steered right or left at a predetermined angle or more is provided. Thus, an overshoot phenomenon that the engine speed is held at a predetermined engine speed after the engine speed once increases up to the predetermined engine speed or higher when the engine speed is increased in deceleration can be avoided. As a result, the body of the boat can be prevented from sliding laterally to a great extent at the beginning of turning and the turning performance of the body can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Mamoru Uraki, Takao Kochi, Tomoya Kono, Hajime Shogase
  • Patent number: 6659911
    Abstract: A shift assist system for an outboard motor regulates the torque of the engine to ensure proper effortless shifting. The system recognizes open circuit or short circuit faults and nevertheless enables the torque of the engine to be reduced to facilitate easy gear selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Sadato Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030224673
    Abstract: In An outboard motor mounted on a stem of a boat and having an internal combustion engine, a throttle body (that accommodates the throttle valve) is installed at a position close to the boat, and an electric motor is fastened to the throttle body so as to drive the throttle valve to open or close through a simple gear mechanism. This arrangement can mitigate operation load and offer improved operation feel. Further, it is simpler than a cable or a link mechanism, does not lead to an increase in number of components or weight, and hence the amount of required installation space can be reduced. A knob is provided and the operator can pinch and rotate it to open the throttle valve manually, when the electric motor breaks down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Takada, Hiroshi Mizuguchi, Hiroshi Watabe, Yoshinori Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 6648706
    Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a hull and a jet propulsion unit that propels the hull. An engine powers the jet propulsion unit. The engine includes an air intake system to introduce air to a combustion chamber. The intake system includes a throttle valve to regulate an amount of the air. The throttle valve is moveable generally between a closed position and an open position. A fuel injection system is arranged to spray fuel for combustion in the combustion chamber. The engine also includes an intake pressure sensor, a throttle valve position sensor and an engine speed sensor. A control device is provided to control an amount of the fuel using either a D-j control mode or an &agr;-N control mode. The D-j control mode is based upon a signal from the intake pressure sensor and a signal from the engine speed sensor. The &agr;-N control mode is based upon a signal from a throttle valve position sensor and the signal from the engine speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 6595811
    Abstract: The personal watercraft vehicle (PWC) component multiplex communication system, as described herein, is configured to accommodate the exchange of information between PWC components. The system employs an engine electronic control unit (ECU), a multipurpose ECU, and a cluster ECU. Management and monitoring data collected from the various PWC components are transmitted to the corresponding ECUs, which process and multiplex the data along with control messages into an aggregate serial data stream and supplies the aggregate data stream to a system bus. System bus interconnects each of the ECUs and accommodates the bi-directional transfer of the aggregate multiplexed data stream to the ECUs and may be configured as a 2-wire interconnection. Accordingly, the ECUs receive and de-multiplex the aggregate data stream containing the data and control messages generated by other ECUs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Dagenais, Stéphane Proulx, Yves Berthiaume, Eric Quellette
  • Publication number: 20030129886
    Abstract: A throttle control system eases operation of the throttle lever on a small watercraft to improve rider comfort. The small watercraft includes an internal combustion engine within an engine compartment and a steering mechanism for steering the watercraft. The steering mechanism includes a handlebar assembly. The engine includes an air induction system that supplies air to the engine and includes a throttle device configured for controlling the amount of air supplied to the engine. The control system includes a throttle operator, an operator position sensor, a controller and an actuator. The throttle operator is located on the handlebar assembly and the operator position sensor and the actuator are located within the engine compartment. The operator position sensor is configured to detect the position of the throttle operator and to communicate with the controller. The actuator is configured to adjust the throttle device in response to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 6587765
    Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) controls a throttle of a first engine and a shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal. The second ECU is coupled to the first ECU via the communications link, and controls the throttle of a second engine and the shift position of a second transmission based on a control signal from the first ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Dennis I. Graham, Daniel J. Carr, Scott L. Kern, Howard A. Lang
  • Patent number: 6582261
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an anti-theft switch which disables the starter button and provides a kill signal to the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized use and inadvertent draining of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Publication number: 20030092331
    Abstract: A watercraft control system for a watercraft having multiple control stations routes operation control signals in a non-competing, non-contradictory manner. In an embodiment, the control system includes a plurality of links. When abnormalities affect one or more of the communication links, the control system maintains communication through one or more of the unaffected communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Takashi Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20030082965
    Abstract: a control unit is provided for closing the throttle when the engine has been rotated for more than a prescribed time period at more than a prescribed number of revolutions, and the throttle has been opened for more than a prescribed time period at more than a prescribed opening. The control unit increases the number of engine revolutions to a predetermined number of revolutions irrespective of the throttle and maintains the same for a predetermined retention time when the steering handle is turned to the left or the right by more than a prescribed angle. The time to start controlling the number of engine revolutions may be delayed by providing a delay time for delaying the time to start controlling the engine revolutions. The number of engine revolutions may be controlled after the hull is underwater. As a consequence, the amount of sideslip of the jet propulsion boat can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Mamoru Uraki, Yoshiaki Hirakata, Takao Kochi, Hajime Shogase
  • Publication number: 20030064641
    Abstract: A power source system for a small boat is equipped with a main switch with a lanyard switch capable of turning OFF power source in case of an emergency by connecting to an occupant by wire. The power system controls the power source to accessories, including a fuel injection system. The power source system includes a main relay for turning ON/OFF power source to be supplied to the accessories, and a control unit (display control unit) connected in parallel to the main switch in order to control the main relay. An ON/OFF state of the main switch is monitored by the control unit (display control unit) to control the ON/OFF state of the main relay on the basis of the ON/OFF state of the main switch. With this system, it is possible to collectively control the ON/OFF of the power source supplied to the accessories, including the fuel injection system. Thus, the power source system can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Yusuke Funayose, Toru Hasegawa, Tomohiko Yashiro
  • Publication number: 20030064642
    Abstract: A jet propulsion boat is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit displaying operation information. An ordinary movement of the jet propulsion boat is regarded as an ordinary state. When the need arises for abruptly reducing the speed of the transportation means or abruptly changing the direction of the transportation means, and the like it is regarded as a non-ordinary state. The liquid crystal display unit is caused to reverse a white-and-black display thereof when the jet propulsion boat shifts from the ordinary state to the non-ordinary state. It is possible to sensitively and directly notify the driver that the transportation means is in a non-ordinary state. As a result, it becomes easier to recognize that the jet propulsion boat is in a non-ordinary state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Yusuke Funayose, Toru Hasegawa, Tomohiko Yashiro
  • Patent number: 6538217
    Abstract: A thuster control unit which in general comprises a base plate 100, a switch panel 200 mounted on said base plate, and a boat shaped, or navicular, control knob 500 mounted on the base plate such that it is displaceable over the switch panel. The panel is equipped with switches, such as embedded switches, for controlling bow and stem thrusters, and/or any other propulsion unit. The control knob is equipped actuator pegs 425, biased downwards, each thus transmitting a force to the switch panel. In a non-actuated state, the navicular control knob remains in a neutral position in which position no one of the embedded boat manoeuvring control switches are operated. The forward and aft actuator pegs thus activate the forward and aft boat manoeuvring control switches respectively in a manner corresponding with a selective displacement of the navicular control knob. The boat shaped control knob provides a novel, efficient and reliable means for a combined control of any boat propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sleipner Motor AS
    Inventors: Tore Eriksen, Ronny Skauen
  • Publication number: 20030045184
    Abstract: In a vertical internal combustion engine, comprising; a cylinder block; a cylinder head connected to an end of the cylinder block; a crankshaft extending generally vertically and rotatably supported in the cylinder block; a camshaft extending generally in parallel with the crankshaft and rotatably supported in the cylinder head; and a timing belt for connecting pulleys provided to upper end portions of the crankshaft and the camshaft so as to transmit a driving force from the crankshaft to the camshaft, a plate is attached to a top surface of the cylinder block and at least one idle pulley contacting the timing belt is rotatably supported by the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Tsubouchi, Tatsuya Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6517396
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the speed of a boat of the type including a motor having a throttle control lever coupled to a throttle of the motor provides for stable and predictable control of the speed of a boat The control system includes a position detector configured to detect the position of the throttle control lever and to generate a first signal representative of a target speed of the motor; a sensor which generates a second signal representative of the actual speed of the motor; an actuator adapted to control the throttle; and a servo controller, which in response to the first signal and the second signal, generates an output to adjust the position of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen W. Into
  • Publication number: 20030027468
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the speed of a boat of the type including a motor having a throttle control lever coupled to a throttle of the motor provides for stable and predictable control of the speed of a boat The control system includes a position detector configured to detect the position of the throttle control lever and to generate a first signal representative of a target speed of the motor; a sensor which generates a second signal representative of the actual speed of the motor; an actuator adapted to control the throttle; and a servo controller, which in response to the first signal and the second signal, generates an output to adjust the position of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen W. Into
  • Publication number: 20030013354
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Tsuide Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 6507164
    Abstract: A trolling motor having current based power management including: an electric motor; a motor controller having an output for providing voltage to the motor; and a current sensor for measuring the electrical current flowing through the motor. Upon determining that the trolling motor has been operating above its continuous duty limit for a predetermined period of time, the motor controller begins reducing the voltage output to the motor until reaching an acceptable output voltage. In another embodiment, the controller is operated in three distinct modes with three distinct sets of operating parameter, namely: a normal mode wherein the output is set to a commanded level; a current limit mode wherein the output is set to a safe, predetermined level; and a transitional mode wherein the output is incrementally changed from the predetermined level to the commanded level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Healey, Alan L. Proctor
  • Publication number: 20030008572
    Abstract: In fuel supply system for an engine in which a discharge port in a fuel pump driven by the engine to draw up fuel in a fuel tank is connected to an inlet port which is provided in a fuel reservoir and which is controlled in opening and closing by a float valve so that the fuel in the fuel reservoir is supplied to the engine, a second discharge port is provided in the fuel pump, and a second inlet port without a float valve is provided in the fuel reservoir. The second discharge port and the second inlet port are connected to each other through a control valve opened during starting of the engine. Thus, when the engine is started, fuel vapor generated in a pump chamber in the fuel pump can be discharged to the fuel reservoir having an air vent, to normalize the function of the fuel pump, leading to an enhancement in hot startability of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsu Wada, Tomonori Ikuma, Sadafumi Shidara, Makoto Sakai, Kazuki Ishikawa, Nobuhiro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030008573
    Abstract: An engine for a marine drive has a combustion chamber. An engine body of the engine defines an air intake port communicating with the combustion chamber. An air induction system communicates with the air intake port to introduce air to the combustion chamber through the air intake port. An exhaust system communicates with the combustion chamber through an exhaust port. Intake and exhaust valves move between an opening position and a closing position of the intake port and the exhaust port, respectively. Intake and exhaust camshafts actuate the intake valve and the exhaust valve, respectively. A VVT mechanism is associated with at least one of the camshafts and changes an actuating timing of the camshaft. The VVT mechanism includes a solenoid actuator that varies a hydraulic flow in the VVT mechanisms to change the actuating timing of the camshaft. The solenoid actuator can be operated to receive electric power from a power source. An ECU controls the solenoid actuator based upon a control characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Goichi Katayama
  • Publication number: 20030003822
    Abstract: To provide a running control device for a watercraft capable of effecting an easy cruising control of the watercraft even by a beginner, especially allowing a stable running while turning, and capable of reducing cavitation. A running control device 16 for a watercraft with a propulsion device 15 capable of controlling propulsion, comprises a propulsion control section 17 which controls propulsion, based on predetermined input information, said propulsion control section 17 comprising a target propulsion calculation module 18 for determining a target propulsion, based on predetermined input information including at least velocity of said watercraft; and an operation amount calculation module 19 for determining the amount of operation of said propulsion device 15, based on predetermined input information so as to obtain the target propulsion determined by said propulsion calculation module 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hirotaka Kaji
  • Patent number: 6500036
    Abstract: A power head for an outboard motor includes an improved construction that can includes a compactly arranged tilt relay unit of a hydraulic tilt and trim system. The outboard motor includes a drive unit comprising an internal combustion engine. A bracket assembly is adapted to be mounted on an associated watercraft. The bracket supports the drive unit for pivotal movement about a generally horizontally extending tilt axis. A hydraulic tilt system is arranged to tilt up and down the drive unit. The tilt system includes a hydraulic pump and an electric motor actuating the hydraulic pump. A tilt relay unit supplies electric power to the electric motor based upon a control signal. The relay unit is disposed generally between the engine and the bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihito Fukuoka, Kazuyuki Kitajima
  • Patent number: 6485340
    Abstract: An electrically controlled shift and throttle system for a watercraft having multiple control stations is disclosed. The system has a number of control units having an elongated lever arm which can be moved in forward and reverse directions for shifting the transmission among forward, neutral, and reverse operating modes, as well as controlling the throttle of the engine for varying the operating speed thereof. The control units are electrically connected to a controller which also is electrically connected to a shift gear motor and throttle motor. Switches associated with each of the control units enables one of the control units to be selected as a master control unit and the nonselected control units then operate as slave units. During operation, the angular position of the master control unit lever arm is duplicated in the nonselected control units so that all control unit lever arms have the same angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Richard P. Kolb, Gaylord M. Borst, Anthony P. Prince
  • Publication number: 20020164907
    Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to reduce the likelihood of engine damage when the watercraft engine speed is rapidly increased due to a lack of load on the propulsion unit. The engine is controlled by a method that detects engine speed and reduces the power output of the engine by varying degrees depending on the speed of the engine relative to plural predetermine speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Publication number: 20020151230
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an anti-theft switch which disables the starter button and provides a kill signal to the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized use and inadvertent draining of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Publication number: 20020137405
    Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a hull and a jet propulsion unit that propels the hull. An engine powers the jet propulsion unit. The engine includes an air intake system to introduce air to a combustion chamber. The intake system includes a throttle valve to regulate an amount of the air. The throttle valve is moveable generally between a closed position and an open position. A fuel injection system is arranged to spray fuel for combustion in the combustion chamber. The engine also includes an intake pressure sensor, a throttle valve position sensor and an engine speed sensor. A control device is provided to control an amount of the fuel using either a D-j control mode or an &agr;-N control mode. The D-j control mode is based upon a signal from the intake pressure sensor and a signal from the engine speed sensor. The &agr;-N control mode is based upon a signal from a throttle valve position sensor and the signal from the engine speed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 6443083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-lever control for motor and sport boats with a hand lever having a handle and guided in at least one function plane for controlling the engine. In order to facilitate maneuvering for the pilot, the hand lever or its handle is pivotal about the axis of the hand lever in two directions against a spring force and at least one sensor detecting this rotation is provided whose output controls a steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: NASYC Holding S. A.
    Inventor: Peter Müller
  • Patent number: 6431930
    Abstract: A boat having a propulsion system and a station containing throttle, shift and cruise controls at some distance from the propulsion system. The throttle, shift and cruise control elements generate electrical signals which are transmitted to a electronic control unit in the propulsion system. The electronic control unit controls the fuel injection and the ignition of fuel for the propulsion system and also signals the throttle and the transmission in response to an operator's manipulation of the throttle, shift or cruise control elements. There are no mechanical links or cables between the throttle, shift and cruise control elements and the propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventor: James L. Holt
  • Patent number: 6428371
    Abstract: A watercraft with a steer-responsive speed controller generates thrust when the steerable propulsion unit is turned beyond a predetermined angular threshold. Turning the steering wheel beyond the threshold causes the speed controller to increase engine speed so that the propulsion unit produces thrust at least equal to the minimal propulsive force needed to effectively steer the watercraft. This system ensures that there is always sufficient thrust for steering the watercraft. This system is applicable to single-engine personal watercraft, twin-engine jet boats or motorboats equipped with swivel-mounted outboard motors. In one form of the system, rotation of the steering wheel beyond the angular threshold causes an actuating cable to open the throttle to increase engine speed. Alternatively, an electronic control system regulates the engine by calculating the optimal power settings based on measurements derived from a speed sensor, a steering angle sensor and, optionally, a throttle position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Michel, Alain Rheault
  • Publication number: 20020090866
    Abstract: A remote control device comprises a portable housing, control levers, steering knob, locking mechanisms, selector switch, indicators, emergency stop switch, etc. The locking mechanisms can hold the control levers in a neutral position. The housing contains therein potentiometers adapted to deliver electric signal for engine control when the control levers are moved back and forth and a potentiometer adapted to deliver electric signal for driving a steering mechanism when the steering knob is moved from side to side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: NHK MORSE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Hoshina
  • Patent number: 6405669
    Abstract: A steering control system is provided that provides thrust for steering control in a watercraft that is powered by a propulsion unit. The steering control system is applicable to various types of watercraft, including boats and personal watercraft, that are powered by inboard jet propulsion systems or outboard engines. The steering control system is activated by the steering helm assembly and/or an electronic control mechanism. Thrust is provided by preferably controlling the throttle, or more particularly the air-fuel mixture of the carburetor of the engine. The system is particularly, although not solely, suited for steering while the watercraft is operated at low speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Rheault, Camille Michel
  • Patent number: 6406342
    Abstract: A control handle for a tiller of an outboard motor is provided with a rotatable handle grip portion that includes an end surface which supports a plurality of push buttons that the operator of a marine vessel can depress to actuate certain control mechanisms and devices associated with the outboard motor. These push buttons include trim up and trim down along with gear selector push buttons in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Walczak, William Haluzak
  • Patent number: 6390865
    Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a water propulsion device and a cowling housing an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least one combustion chamber and an output shaft arranged to drive the water propulsion device. The cowling has a front end and a rear end. The motor includes a handle which generally encircles at least a portion of the cowling, the handle having at least one gripping portion at the front or rear end of the cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kentaro Kameoka
  • Patent number: 6382122
    Abstract: An auto detect system is provided for a marine vessel in which the various associations and relationships between marine propulsion devices, gauges, sensors, and other components are quickly and easily determined. The system performs a method which automatically determines the number of marine propulsion devices on the marine vessel and, where needed, prompts the boat builder or marine vessel outfitter to enter various commands to identify particular marine propulsion devices with reference to their location on the marine vessel and to identify certain other components, such as gauges, with reference to both their location at a particular helm station and their association with a particular marine propulsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip K. Gaynor, Kurt D. Willows, John W. Wyant
  • Patent number: 6352045
    Abstract: An immobilization system for watercraft includes a transponder mounted within a lanyard clip and a communication device mounted to be in the vicinity of the trasponder when the lanyard member is engaged with the kill switch assembly. The transponder emits a security code which is received by the communication device and is compared to a predetermined authorized security code. If the transponder does not include the correct security code, the engine will not start or will be killed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sumihiro Takashima
  • Publication number: 20010051476
    Abstract: The invention provides a pilot control device that enables optimum pilot depending on user's preference and use environment. The pilot control device includes a control module and an optimum process device, with regard to a watercraft having an apparatus affecting pilot control. The control module determines output regarding a manipulated variable of the device affecting pilot control based on predetermined input information. The optimum process device optimizes, in real time, the control module, with the characteristics of a watercraft as an evaluation subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Harada, Yukio Matsushita, Hirotaka Kaji, Masashi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20010046819
    Abstract: An outboard motor features a compact throttle control and transmission shifting control on a handle connected to a tiller. An interlock is designed to limit the maximum engine speed at which the engine can be operated when in the transmission is in neutral and to lock the transmission in neutral or out of neutral when the engine is operated at a speed greater than a second speed that is less than the maximum speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Takaji Kawai, Hiroyuki Tsunekawa
  • Publication number: 20010042532
    Abstract: A four stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having a power take off housing located at one end of the engine. A crankshaft is operatively connected to a drive shaft and the cam shaft within the power take off housing. Furthermore, the crankshaft is operatively coupled within the power take off housing to at least one of a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Manfred Aichinger, Rudolf Tscherne, Alois Wolfsgruber, Michael Sonnleitner, Johann Holzleitner
  • Publication number: 20010036777
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Kazumi Iida, Masaki Takegami, Shigeharu Mineo, Shigeyuki Ozawa, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6309267
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes various protective covers for engine components. The outboard motor can include a protective cover for electrical wires which extend around an outer periphery of the engine, so as to protect the wires from being inadvertently dislodged when installing or removing an upper cowling. The outboard motor may also include a protective sleeve extending vertically, and through which wires are arranged to prevent the wires from contacting water which may collect in a lower portion of a powerhead of the outboard motor. Additionally, the outboard motor can also include a protective casing for electrical components including relays, fuses, and associated connectors. The protective casing includes a main storage portion and a substorage portion. The main storage portion includes a lid and is configured to have a watertight seal around only a portion of its outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Okabe, Kenichi Fujino, Masafumi Sogawa
  • Patent number: 6302751
    Abstract: A small planing watercraft including a hull, a propulsion unit mounted on the hull and a high RPM—high output engine for driving the propulsion unit, wherein the engine includes at least one intake valve and an intake valve timing control system for advancing the opening and closing of the intake valve when the watercraft is operating below a predetermined speed corresponding to a velocity at which the watercraft transitions from non-planing to planing motion. The engine may also include a long air intake passage for low-speed operation and a short air intake passage for high-speed operation, with an air intake control valve in the short air intake passage that is closed when the watercraft is operating below the predetermined speed. The engine may also include an exhaust control valve for constricting the exhaust passage, and a system for at least partially closing the exhaust control valve when the watercraft is operating below the predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nanami
  • Patent number: 6293838
    Abstract: An electronic controller is provided for controlling operation of the engine and/or transmission in a marine propulsion system without use of mechanical linkages. A control allows for setting a desired engine speed signal and a signal link allows for electromagnetically transmitting the desired engine speed signal from the control to the controller. A module allows for supplying to the engine, based on a received signal indicative of actual engine speed and the desired engine speed signal, an engine control signal for adjusting engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventor: Arthur Richard Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6280269
    Abstract: A throttle control mechanism is provided with a plurality of buttons and a control unit that interprets the state of the various buttons and switches in different ways, depending on the state of a first operating parameter. The first operating parameter can be the gear selector position or the status of a manual selector switch or push button. Based on the state of the first operating parameter, at least one switch is interpreted to represent a first command based on a first state of the first operating parameter and a second command based on the second state of the first operating parameter. This allows dual functionality for the buttons and switches which reduces the required number of switches and also allows the important control switches to be placed easily within reach of the operator of a marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip K. Gaynor
  • Patent number: 6273771
    Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel incorporates a marine propulsion system that can be attached to a marine vessel and connected in signal communication with a serial communication bus and a controller. A plurality of input devices and output devices are also connected in signal communication with the communication bus and a bus access manager, such as a CAN Kingdom network, is connected in signal communication with the controller to regulate the incorporation of additional devices to the plurality of devices in signal communication with the bus whereby the controller is connected in signal communication with each of the plurality of devices on the communication bus. The input and output devices can each transmit messages to the serial communication bus for receipt by other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Buckley, Vojislav V. Divljakovic, Phillip K. Gaynor, Jeffery C. Ehlers, Daniel E. Clarkson
  • Patent number: 6264516
    Abstract: An outboard motor is provided with a tiller handle that enables an operator to control the transmission gear selection and the throttle setting by rotating the hand grip of the tiller handle. It also comprises a means for allowing the operator to disengage the gear selecting mechanism from the throttle mechanism. This allows the operator to manipulate the throttle setting without having to change the gear setting from neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: William W. McEathron, Jeffery L. White
  • Patent number: 6264512
    Abstract: A boat drive having a variable-speed engine connected through a clutch to a variable-pitch propeller has a control having a housing and a guide on the housing defining a central crosswise track having a travel end and a start end, forward and backward travel tracks extending from the travel end, and a forward start track extending from the start end. A lever pivoted on the housing is movable in the tracks of the guide. A pitch controller connected to the propeller includes a position detector operable by the lever when in the travel end and travel tracks for increasing propeller pitch positively on movement of the lever forward from the travel end in the forward travel track and negatively on movement of the lever backward from the travel end in the backward track and for setting the propeller at 0° pitch when the lever is in the travel end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nasyc Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Müller
  • Patent number: 6254442
    Abstract: Several embodiments of personal watercraft having very compact construction, in particularly embodying a compact propulsion system wherein the engine and a number of its accessories all define a very compact area. A balance shaft is driven by the engine crankshaft for reducing the transmission of vibrations to the watercraft riders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akitaka Suzuki